According to the BTN broadcast last week, Michigan State leads the Big Ten in dropped passes, and at least a couple of those were in the end zone.

Add to that an injury-depleted offensive line that has struggled to open consistent holes for Le'Veon Bell against top competition, and Maxwell's first six starts have been solid.

"It doesn't feel overwhelming," Maxwell said this week. "It doesn't feel like I'm out of place. That comes from being comfortable in a system and being comfortable with the guys around me."

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said Maxwell has gone through the usual progression of an inexperienced quarterback. A few steps forward, some back. He'd like to see a few more big plays in the passing game, though.

"What we've got to do is take bad plays and make them good ones," Dantonio said. "When things break down, you have to focus down the field and create plays. That would be the biggest negative.

"But if he stands there in the pocket, he'll take a hit, and he'll deliver the football."

The Spartans' coaching staff overwhelmingly thought Maxwell played well in the loss to Ohio State, and then missed a few throws early against Indiana before finishing with a career-high 290 passing yards.

For Maxwell and Michigan State, the meat of the schedule has arrived and there isn't room for many more missteps. Saturday's home game against Iowa precedes a three-game stretch of Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

It will determine if the Spartans are Big Ten contenders or pretenders and if Maxwell's season -- no matter what the statistics say -- is a success or not.